Hello~ My wife's '99 Taco (3.4 w/ AT 4x4)) has an intermittent starting problem. I first experienced it returning from a MN canoe trip...stopped for breakfast in IL and when I got in to continue to IN, nothing. I got out and loosened then retightened bat cables. Varoom! I was on my way when I pulled into get gas across the street. After I filled up I experienced the same problem. This time it took longer to get it started (even crawled under to loosen and retighten starter connection. Varoom! Needless to say I didn't turn truck off until I was home. Did replace cable connectiors since I had trouble getting them to tighten down. Seemed to take care of problem for a week but now the truck is repeating the 'no start'. It doesn't click like a low battery (put new one in before trip).Does starter relay cause intermittent problems? I'd like to get this problem ironed out before the cold sets in (besides my '89 22re w/358K also need my attention). Thanks in advance for your help/suggestions.

 

Quite possibly it's the starter contacts. Cheap fix.

 

The original post said no clicks can be heard. It that's indeed true, then the problem wouldn't be worn starter contacts.

 

You seem to already know it is something related to the battery cables. I am guessing it is the crimped end connection. Could be as simple as a new cable or both.

Have someone else do the ignition key and you do the battery cables. Jiggle them a bit while it is cranking...to narrow it down.

I am leaning towards the starter contacts-the symptoms vary is my impression. This is the most common occasional start/no start condition fix.

Carry a fire extinguisher for sometime until this is fixed, it is cheap prevention and you will then not need it.

 

I would put an aftermarket relay in the starter relay wire first thing

 

Where is the starter relay located, engine bay or dash.

 

do u have an alarm installed on the vehicle? could be a fluke problem with the ignition switch

 

okay

what was it - the relay?

 

Did you ever get this problem solved?

I have a 2000 prerunner V6/AT with the same problem. I have replaced the starter, ignition switch,,battery, starter relay, and the wire running from the positive battery terminal to the fuse box.

The truck just starts when it wants to, it could be an hour to a week before it won't start again. It could be after driving or stone cold in the morning when it happens. I am starting to think it has something to do with the Karr alarm system.

Nothing happens at all when I turn the key, no clicks.



Update My no start problem was the Karr alarm system. I took out the ignition kill switch and all is good again, no problems for a month.